Banh Xeo: The Crispy, Savory Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake
Bánh Xèo is arguably one of Vietnam’s most exhilarating street foods. This savory, crispy, turmeric-yellow crêpe is not a pancake, but a thin, delicate shell that bursts with freshness, crunch, and umami. The dish gets its name from the sound it makes when the rice batter hits the hot oil in the skillet: “Xèo!” which […]
Goi Cuon: Easy Steps to Making the Best Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Gỏi Cuốn (pronounced “Goy Kwoon”), often called “Fresh Spring Rolls” or “Summer Rolls” internationally, is the quintessential Vietnamese appetizer. Its name literally translates to “salad roll,” perfectly capturing its identity as a light, non-fried dish packed with crisp vegetables and herbs. It is a masterpiece of texture and flavor, where cool, fresh ingredients are neatly […]
Banh Mi: The Ultimate Guide to Vietnam’s Famous Sandwich
Bánh Mì (pronounced “Bahn Mee”) is globally celebrated as Vietnam’s ultimate street food, a culinary masterpiece born from the fusion of French colonial influence and ingenious Vietnamese adaptation. The term Bánh Mì literally means “bread” or “wheat cake” but universally refers to the Vietnamese sandwich. Far from a simple sandwich, the Bánh Mì perfectly balances […]
Com Tam: Guide to Vietnam’s Iconic Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop
Cơm Tấm (pronounced “Com Tum”) is a foundational and iconic dish in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly a signature street food of Southern Vietnam (Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City). More than just a meal, it’s a perfect plate that balances textures and flavors—smoky, savory, sweet, crunchy, fresh, and tangy. The name literally translates to “Broken Rice” (Cơm = […]
Bun Cha: Essential Guide to Hanoi’s Grilled Pork Noodle Dish
1. Bún Chả: The Basics Bún Chả is a quintessential Hanoian specialty that beautifully balances savory, sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. It is distinctly a Northern Vietnamese dish, traditionally served for lunch. The dish consists of three main components, served separately: Bún: A plate of thin, white rice vermicelli noodles. Chả: A bowl of warm, […]
Bun Bo Hue: Vietnam’s Imperial, Spicy Noodle Soup
The Essentials of Bún Bò Huế Bún Bò Huế literally translates to “Beef Noodle Soup from Huế.” It’s a hearty, complex dish known for its harmonious balance of spicy, sour, salty, and savory (umami) flavors. The Broth: The heart of the dish is a rich, slow-simmered beef and pork bone broth, distinctively fragrant with huge […]
Pho: Vietnam’s Iconic Noodle Soup
1. Phở: The Basic Essentials At its heart, Phở is an aromatic noodle soup that typically consists of four main components: Broth (Nước dùng): This is the soul of Phở. Traditionally simmered for hours with beef bones (for Phở Bò) or chicken bones (for Phở Gà), it is delicately flavored with a blend of key […]